Leonardo, 34, said: “I absolutely believein marriage. In saying that I realize I am contradicting everythingI’ve said before. Yes, I want to get married and havechildren.”

The U.S. actor – who is reportedly datingIsraeli model Bar Rafaeli – puts his previous views down toinexperience. He added: “It sounds like the ignorance of youth tome. When did I say those things? Three or Four years ago? Hey, wegrow up real fast.”

Leonardo also said the media attention andscrutiny which came with his huge success as an actor in films suchas “Romeo and Juliet” and “Titanic” had a huge impact on how he sawthe world around him.

He continued: “‘Titanic’ was a period ofrebellion for me. I was portrayed as the world’s number one posterboy, a heart-throb. It wasn’t what I wanted to be at 24. “It wasnever the recognition I wanted. The whole experience was so shallowand empty. That’s why I took a break. I was conscious that Ineeded to do something different.” “Revolutionary Road” is releasedin European cinemas this month.